Mohan Prasad gets Tanikella Bharani Puraskaram

HYDERABAD: Vijayawada- based retired English lecturer Vegunta Mohan Prasad was awarded the first Tanikella Bharani Sahitya Puraskaram- 2011 on the occasion of film actor, writer and director Tanikella Bharani’s birthday at a function organised by the Kala Foundation at Ravindra Bharathi here on Thursday.Mohan Prasad was given a cash award of Rs 50,000 and felicitated by Tanikella Bharani and eminent poets, writers and film stars. He was given the award for his poetry (vachana kavita sankalanam) ‘Nishadam’ which was selected by a jury consisting of three members.Speaking on the occasion, Dr C Narayanana Reddy said, “Bharani loves all forms of art and particularly poetry. He himself is a good poet. By felicitating fellow poets, he awarded himself.” Former chief minister K Rosaiah appreciated Bharani and said felicitating poets will bring back the glory of Telugu literature and culture.Speaking on the occasion Tanikella Bharani said: “These days there is no encouragement for poets. I want to support young writers. All good poets should be felicitated.” The film actor said he would continue to present the award on July 14 every year to honour the best poet of the year.Actors Brahmanandam, Prakash Raj, director Trivikram Srinivas, lyricist Vennalakanti and other film personalities were also present. Earlier, an ‘Ashthavadanam’ was performed by Avadhani K Srivirinchi.